Flavour of the Week
It’s been one heck of a busy week, and there’s more movers and shakers than a Brazilian conga line. Read all about them here.
New QLD sales at Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu Tours has announced the recent appointment of Shannon Morgan as Queensland Business Development Manager- he will join Ms Angelina Briscoe in the sunshine state to further develop agency partnerships.
Initially moving into the industry as a travel consultant, Morgan is equipped to identify the support agents require from a tour operator and industry partners.
He added, “Starting in retail has allowed me to see the travel industry business from both sides of the travel agent desk. I understand and appreciate the day to day challenges agents face as well as the success they earn.”
After time at two other wholesalers, Morgan said he was looking forward to working with a renowned global brand such as Wendy Wu Tours and has a strong interest in the Asian destinations the operator covers.
Head of Sales, Vara Glover said, “The team look forward to welcoming Mr Morgan’s enthusiasm and strategic vision as they take the business to new heights.”
Speaking of Wendy Wu…
The Asian specialist Wendy Wu has been inducted into the British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame as a result of the expansion of her Sydney-based operation into possibly the biggest tour operator into China from Britain.
The prestigious accolade recognises her one of the U.K. industry’s highest achievers in one of the world’s most competitive travel markets.
Having firmly based Wendy Wu Tours in Sydney, Wendy moved to London several years ago and quickly became known as having an unparalleled knowledge of China, its geographic format and tourist infrastructure.
Members of the Hall of Fame are well known for the business acumen and for the inspiration they provide to their peers and industry as a whole.
Marking the occasion, the British Travel Weekly said, that the founder of Wendy Wu Tours in Australia 22 years ago now heads up a significant global company, which has extremely healthy operations on three continents – having opened office in New York in 2010.
Wendy was born in Tibet and did tertiary studies in northern China and Australia before joining a small suburban retail travel agency in the suburbs of Sydney.
She built an initial itinerary to China for her employer and then filled a group and personally escorted the tour – repeating the exercise several times before setting up her own operation.
Scott Alderson Appointed Director of Sales, Crown Hotels Perth
Bringing a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Scott Alderson has commenced the role of Director of Sales, Crown Hotels Perth – responsible for the sales strategies of Perth’s three hotels – Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade.
Prior to this role, Scott has held integral positions both internationally and domestically with companies such as Mantra Group, where he oversaw sales and marketing for 13 properties across three states, HiscoNFE Pty Ltd, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). He also owned Element, a suburban restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand.
Senior Vice President Global Sales, Crown Hotels, Kylie Burchmore said Crown is delighted to have Scott join the Crown Hotels Perth team.
“Scott’s vast knowledge and expertise will be a valuable asset for us. With Crown Towers Perth coming on board at the end of last year, including the new Crown Ballroom, we believe Scott will be a valued member of the team and ensure the continued success of our hotels,” said Burchmore.
TTC appoints new sales manager
The Travel Corporation has appointed travel expert Christopher Lukehurst-Walton in a dual role as Sales Manager across Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Creative Cruising in South Australia.
Lukehurst-Walton’s experience within the industry spans over 25 years, having worked for Royal Brunei Airlines, GTA/Kuoni, Wendy Wu Tours and most recently with SilverNeedle Hospitality in Adelaide as Territory Sales Manager.
His impressive 16 years of experience in a Sales Manager role, will no doubt bring great success to Uniworld and Creative Cruising, and an asset to TTC’s national sales force.
Lukehurst-Walton is based in Adelaide and can be contacted at christopher.lukehurst-walton@ttc.com.
Mantra’s spate of appointments
Alana Friend has recently been appointed Operations Manager for Mantra on Northbourne, Canberra. Since joining the Group, Alana has held both Front Office Manager roles at Peppers Craigieburn and Mantra on Northbourne.
Fauve Kapitz, currently Front Office Manager at Mantra on Edward, has been appointed to General Manager of BreakFree Fortitude Valley. Fauve joined Mantra Group in 2014 after working with Edge Apartments in Rockhampton and Alpha Mosaic in Fortitude Valley.
Adrian Lampe is the new General Manager of Mantra Southbank, Melbourne. Adrian has been with Mantra Group for five years, and has most recently been General Manager of BreakFree on Collins.
Troy Fettes, currently General Manager at Mantra Sierra Grand, will be the Building Manager of the new-build FV by Peppers, Brisbane (opening in August 2017). Troy has held several senior roles within Manta Group, with previous experience as Building Manager for Peppers Broadbeach.
Gillian Edwards, General Manager at BreakFree Fortitude Valley, has been appointed to the role of General Manager at BreakFree Grand Pacific on the Sunshine Coast. Gillian’s broad range of experience across leisure and corporate properties provides a strong foundation for her new position.
Iain Hardie will be the new Regional Sales and Marketing Manager for the Western Australia, South Australia and Northern Territory region. Iain is currently Director of Sales and Marketing for the Bell City Complex, and brings with him 17 years of previous experience in hotel DoSM level positions.
Raphael Kozminsky, Hotel Manager at BreakFree Bell City, has been appointed to General Manager at BreakFree on Collins. Prior to joining Bell City, Raphael had significant success as the General Manager of numerous BASE Backpackers Sydney properties.
Matthew Knight, General Manager of Mantra Aqueous on Port in Port Douglas, will soon relocate to Brisbane to become the General Manager of Mantra on Mary. Matthew has a wealth of experience across Mantra Group and is a great addition to the team.
Rebecca Noyes, currently General Manager of BreakFree Diamond Beach, has been appointed to General Manager of Mantra Sierra Grand. Rebecca has 17 years experience as a General Manager and has been with Mantra Group since 2004.
Ian Herbst has been selected for the role of Building Manager at Mantra Circle on Cavill. Ian has over 20 years experience in hotels and resorts and has been with Mantra Group since 2008. In his most recent position, he was managing Mantra on Queen and Mantra on Quay in Brisbane.
The Group has also announced new appointments joining the management team across its portfolio:
Sean Watt has recently been appointed as General Manager of Peppers Kings Square Hotel, Perth. He joins Mantra Group from his most recent position as Area Manager for ISS Facility Management in Karratha, Western Australia.
Maurits De Graeff will be the General Manager of the new Mantra Macarthur Hotel, Canberra when it opens in late August 2017. Maurits joins Mantra Group after four years with Doma Group; successfully opening Hotel Realm and Hotel Burberry.
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